Search This Blog

donderdag 29 maart 2012

You're not dreaming: The cast of TNT's "Dallas" 2012 reboot is naked. Together.

In an homage to the famous shower scene during the original series' eighth season -- in which Bobby Ewing (Patrick Duffy), lathered up and greeted Pam, revealing all of Season 8 was a dream -- TNT had its stars, both new and old, strip down to towels to promote the show's revival.

TNT's "Dallas" picks up years after the original series ended. Original series stars Duffy, Larry Hagman and Linda Gray are joined by a new crop of young Hollywood actors including Jordana Brewster, Jesse Metcalfe and Josh Henderson. Metcalfe plays Christopher Ewing, the adopted son of Bobby and Pam. Henderson plays John Ross Ewing III, the son of J.R. (Hagman) and Sue Ellen (Gray) Ewing. Expect the younger Ewing boys to clash just as much as J.R. and Bobby did, and not just when it comes to oil.

Some Australian celebrities at this year's Logie Awards will have to dress themselves, it has been revealed.

Bosses at the Seven Network have reportedly been forced to dump the fashion stylists that usually help stars to choose their outfits for the awards ceremony in a bid to cut costs.

A Seven spokesperson told The Daily Telegraph: "At Seven, because we have the largest number of stars going to the Logies - Home and Away alone has 25 stars going, and then there's the entire cast of Packed To The Rafters - we have made some changes to the way we do it.

"No one is turning up without a gorgeous frock, we're just doing it differently but it's the celebrities' responsibility to get it themselves."

It has also been reported that 66-year-old television personality Molly Meldrum, who has been making a slow recovery since falling from a ladder in December, will be inducted into the Logies Hall of Fame.

Tulisa Contostavlos reportedly left a backstage party early last night following the recent leak of her sex tape.

The 'Young' singer attended the Drake gig at London's O2 Arena last night (March 27), before bumping into JLS in her private box.

"Tulisa was really looking forward to escaping all the embarrassment of the past week with a good night out," a source told The Sun.

"She knew the JLS boys were going to be there but felt really awkward when she walked in because she presumed the lads had seen the tape. She said a quiet 'hello' to them — but then went straight out the back door, let out a big squeal and took a deep breath before going back in to face them."

The insider added: "Tulisa and her pals hardly spoke to JLS throughout the gig. It was a really uncomfortable atmosphere because she is so embarrassed about the tape."

Contostavlos reportedly went backstage afterwards to meet Drake and Florence Welch, with the rapper describing her as the "Princess of the UK".

However, she is said to have left the party early after becoming concerned that people were making comments about her tape.

The singer's ex-boyfriend MC Ultra appeared in court on Monday over the tape, alleging that she persuaded him to make the film.

The French celebrity chef, who judged the My Kitchen Rules final in Australia earlier this week, said that he is "addicted" to both food and alcohol.

When asked what his "best vice" is, Feildel told TV Week: "I'm going to say food and alcohol. Food, because I just love it - I'm addicted to it - and a bit of the booze. When you work in a restaurant, it's easy to help yourself to a drink while you're in the kitchen."

Feildel said that he has had "some great jobs" in his life, revealing that the one he "enjoyed the most" was at a "small restaurant" preparing seafood in London.

He added that his life has been "fantastic" since he moved to Australia, adding: "I arrived with a backpack and wanted to see the country. From one job to another, from my first TV audition to where I am today, it was a great decision to come here. I call myself a 'Fussie' - I'm half French and half Aussie!"

Although Feildel admitted to sometimes wanting to lie "in bed watching TV all day", he said that he consistently "aim[s] high" when it comes to his career. He said: "I will keep on going until I get it. I'm hard working. I don't sit down and wait for things to come to me."

Feildel recently revealed that he has hired a personal trainer to help him lose the weight he has gained while filming My Kitchen Rules.

Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi took to Twitter Wednesday evening to bask in the glow of her engagement. The pregnant "Jersey Shore" star and fiance Jionni LaValle are gearing up for a walk down the aisle -- although we're not sure whether or not Snooki's baby-to-be will be present at the ceremony.

The reality star showed off her new rock, tweeting, "My fiance," along with a photo of the happy couple.

But a sparkly bauble isn't the only new accessory Snooki has been showing off lately -- her growing baby bump has also gotten some quality camera time. Although Snooki found out in early January that she and longtime boyfriend LaValle were expecting, she slammed rumors that she was with child until March, when she showed off her baby bump on the cover of Us Weekly.

And even though the party girl is going to be a mom, she is scheduled to return to the next season of her fame-making, booze-centric show, "Jersey Shore." It has been confirmed that Snooki will return to film the 6th season of the MTV hit but this time, she'll be eating, instead of drinking, for two.

With CBS wrapping its original series by May 17, the network plans to add specials the final week of the season and the May sweep. The first one greenlighted is Clash Of The Commercials: USA Vs. The World, an interactive countdown pitting the 10 best international commercials against the 10 best from the United States.

Hosted by Heidi Klum and The Insider’s Kevin Frazier, the special, during which viewers will be able to vote live for the winner, will be broadcast Monday, May 21 at 10 PM. It hails from the producing team of CBS’ Super Bowl’s Greatest Commercials.

BBC Three is to air the US version of reality series Don't Tell The Bride.

The UK original - which follows a series of grooms as they attempt to organise their wedding without the bride's intervention - first aired in 2007.

The American adaptation, in which the groom is given $25,000 to spend, premiered on Oprah Winfrey's network OWN in October 2011.

"Bringing the US version back to the UK is a real coup and testament to the quality of the series," DRG exec Patrick Roberts told The Hollywood Reporter.

The UK version of Don't Tell The Bride already airs in the US on BBC America, with the fifth series averaging 1.2m million viewers.

A sixth series of the original show has been confirmed and will also air on BBC Three later this year. The programme was recently nominated in the 'Factual Entertainment' category at this year's Rose d'Or Festival.

Bravo 2012 ScheduleBravo has put in development seven unscripted series projects, most of them in the cable network’s established areas of food, fashion, beauty, design and pop culture programming. The projects include Fashion Stories Of NYC featuring former Vogue editor Andre Leon Talley; Female Entrepreneur Project with Fortune editor at large Patti Sellers; and MD: OC, a real-life Royal Pains set in Orange County. Doing an O.C.-set reality version of a popular scripted show was how Bravo’s flagship Real Housewives franchise was born. It originated with The Real Housewives Of Orange Country, which was inspired by ABC’s Desperate Housewives. Here are details about Bravo’s series in development:

“10 Things That Make Me Happy” (working title)
Produced by Authentic Entertainment with Lauren Lexton, Tom Rogan and Eddie Saenz as Executive Producers.
Whether it’s a family heirloom or the perfect vintage T-shirt, we all own things that have a special place in our heart. The show gets up-close and personal with three different celebrities as they share their 10 all-time favorite things. During each episode, the celebrities will explain why each item means so much to them as well as give viewers an intimate look inside their lives, homes and personal style.

“Alumni Project” (working title)
Produced by Left/Right with Ken Druckerman, Banks Tarver, Anneka Jones and Angie Day as Executive Producers.
Viewers will meet graduates of some of the best high schools in the country… 15 years after the fact. Though their school days are in the past, the competition, the cliques, the insecurities and the longstanding grudges are as true now as they were back then. These driven and successful alumni may have families and careers of their own now, but the friendships, rivalries and love affairs prove that some things never change.

“Fashion Stories Of NYC” (working title)
Produced by Hud:sun Media with Michael Rourke and Mioshi Hill as Executive Producers.
We follow four up-and-coming fashion design teams as they produce the defining collection of their careers, all under the watchful eye of fashion icon Andre Leon Talley. The mission to “create, show and sell” is clear for emerging designers striving to build a business in New York City which remains the heart of the fashion industry.

“Female Entrepreneur Project” (working title)
Produced by Embassy Row and Entrée Media with Michael Davies, Shauna Minoprio, Pattie Sellers and Sue Callaway as Executive Producers.
From the co-founders of Fortune’s 50 Most Powerful Women in Business ranking comes a competition project that breaks the mold of traditional business shows and celebrates the fact that women are leading the charge to build innovative and inspiring companies. Viewers get to delve into the lives and minds of successful female entrepreneurs and watch some of the biggest names in corporate America help them shatter through the glass ceiling.

“Property Envy” (working title)
Produced by World of Wonder with Randy Barbato, Fenton Bailey and Tom Campbell as Executive Producers.
For all those people who attend open houses with no real intention of buying, this studio-based talk show takes us inside unusual private homes, both on and off the market. Each week our esteemed design and real estate panelists will countdown the top homes and debate the merits of each, all culminating in choosing the property our panel envies most.

“Sex And The Kitchen” (working title)
Produced by Brownstone Entertainment with Drew Brown and Bob Gillan as Executive Producers.
This docu-series follows a group of single, successful and beautiful women connected to the restaurant and food industry in Los Angeles as they juggle a world where business always mixes with pleasure.

“MD: OC” (working title)
Produced by Gay Rosenthal Productions with Gay Rosenthal, Paul Barrosse, Amy Shpall and Jonathan Glick as Executive Producers.
When the wealthy elite of Orange County need medical attention, there is only one place to turn… their cellphones. This version of real life “Royal Pains” follows a group of doctors whose business caters to the rich through house calls. Whether it’s stitching up a patient after a surfing accident or racing across town to give a housewife a last minute Botox injection before a social event, these doctors see and handle it all.

Brian Belo is sueing the makers of The Only Way is Essex over the show's concept.

The former Big Brother winner alleges that the ITV2 series has breached copyright, and that they have reproduced a format that was originally created by him, Sassy Films and Massive TV for a show called Totally Essex.

Belo has filed the claim with the High Court on behalf of himself and the two companies, reports the Financial Times.

He first talked about a possible lawsuit against ITV last April, claiming he lost earnings up to £100,000.

Totally Essex had a similar concept to The Only Way is Essex, and a trailer for the show even featured future TOWIE stars including Amy Childs and Mark Wright, but the full series was not commissioned.

ITV and Lime Pictures said in a joint statement: "The Only Way is Essex is an original concept created and developed by an award-winning team at Lime Pictures.

"Brian Belo's claim against Lime and ITV is totally without foundation and will be vigorously defended. The creative team at Lime Pictures is very proud of TOWIE and the notion that it was not entirely their own work is a serious allegation which is completely refuted."

Belo is hoping to claim £4 million compensation if his court case succeeds, and alleges that he was offered £2,500 for the show's idea, according to The Sun.

The reality star's writ reportedly demands that TOWIE be taken off the air until he gives permission for its broadcast.

Fox Announces Summer Premiere Dates, Scales Back ‘Dance’ To Once A Week

So You Think You Can Dance TV ScheduleFox has announced its summer original slate, which looks a lot like last year’s, with So You Think You Can Dance and Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen and Masterchef all returning. They will be joined by Ramsay’s newest series Hotel Hell, originally slated for a spring run in the Friday 8 PM slot but pushed to summer to make room for The Finder, which was relocated from Thursdays to Fridays.

Fox also made the format change for Dance official, scheduling the summer staple once a week and canceling the results show. The show’s co-creator/executive producer/judge Nigel Lythgoe announced the news back in January. Dance will kick off its ninth season with a two-hour premiere on Thursday, May 24, the night following the end of the broadcast season and the season finale of American Idol. It will move to its regular Wednesday 8-10 PM slot the following week.

Host Cat Deeley and resident judges Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy are back, along with guest judges Adam Shankman, Debbie Allen, Tyce Diorio, Lil’ C, Stacey Tookey and Jesse Tyler Ferguson. Hell’s Kitchen will return for its 10th season on Tuesday, May 29, paired once again with Masterchef. Beginning on June 4, Hell’s Kitchen will also air originals Mondays at 9 PM, following newbie Hotel Hell.

Restauranteur Maria O'Connor causes embarrassment for herself and her team on tonight's Apprentice, when she ends up nodding off during this week's task.

Lord Sugar's challenge for the 15 candidates is based around inventing a new household appliance and it all becomes too much for the Kent 20-year-old, who falls asleep in the back of a car when the other girls are discussing tactics.

The girls team, who are project managed by Jane McEvoy, are divided once again tonight when they are split between designing a "tap cosy" and a product called Splish Splash, a screen at the side of the bath for children.

Azhar Siddique's boys team also run in to trouble this week because of a split over ideas about what product to follow through to design. Team Phoenix are divided between scourer washing glovers and a new bio-degradable bin.

With the future of its biggest female star, Kristen Wiig, up in the air, NBC’s Saturday Night Live is moving to add reinforcements. I hear that in the past several weeks, seven comedy performers tested for SNL honcho Lorne Michaels, including the following four ladies: Kate McKinnon (The Big Gay Sketch Show), Jessica Joy (The Playboy Club), Lauren Lapkus (Are You There Chelsea) and Elaine Carroll (Very Mary-Kate).

I hear one of them, UCB’s McKinnon, will make her debut on SNL‘s next show next Saturday hosted by Sofia Vergara. It is unclear if Michaels would try out more new performers this season in preparation for locking in the cast of NBC’s late-night sketch comedy series for next season.

As for Bridesmaids star Wiig, whose contract is up at the end of the season, a final decision about her future on SNL will likely come in the summer.

Ricky Gervais has reiterated that he never intended to use the word "mong" to insult Down's syndrome sufferers.

The Life's Too Short creator was hit with criticism last year for mentioning the term in his work and on Twitter, eventually admitting that he was naive to think that it was no longer deemed offensive.

Speaking at a screening of his new Channel 4 comedy pilot Derek last night (March 27), Gervais joked that the press had turned the scandal into "legend" and said that there was no justifiable reason for him to use the word again.

"That's gone into myth and legend, but I said at the time I've never used that word to mean Down's syndrome," he said.

"When I was contacted by the Down's Syndrome Society, I went, 'Ok I won't use it again'. I don't know what sort of victory it would be if I said 'I'm still using it'.

"I remember the first day [one paper] said Gervais in hot water over using the word mong, often associated as a term for Down's syndrome. [The] next paper picked up 'Ricky Gervais insults Down's syndrome people'. Next paper - which shall remain nameless - said 'Ricky Gervais abuses Down's syndrome children'."

Gervais also denied that the titular character in Derek has some form of mental disability, but said that he expects the show to be criticised anyway.

"I've never thought of him as disabled," he said. "[Derek is] not that bright but... he's cleverer than Baldrick, he's cleverer than Father Dougal, he hasn't got as big a problem as Mr f**king Bean.

"I'd be confused if they didn't [attack Derek]. Every week is the end of my career for the last 20 years. I mean I started on a backlash.

"If you start making [a show] for reviewers or awards or the public, you don't get anywhere. I make it for me."

FX has ordered six episodes of an untitled late-night talk show executive produced by Chris Rock and starring comedian W. Kamau Bell, the network announced Wednesday.

The weekly half-hour series, in which Bell will discuss politics, politics, pop culture, race, religion, the media and sex, joins an FX late-night lineup that also includes Russell Brand's "Strangely Uplifting." Brand's show debuts June 28, and Bell's series will premiere at an undetermined date during the summer.

The series also marks a return to late night for Rock, former star of HBO's "The Chris Rock Show."

“I think Kamau is one of the funniest guys out there and I can't wait to work with the good people at FX,” said Rock.

The series is produced by FX Productions. Chuck Sklar and Bell are executive producing with Rock.

“Clearly this is a great opportunity. I'm going to do my best to make the most of it," Bell said. "I feel lucky to be working with one of the greatest comedians of all time, Chris Rock, and the most forward-thinking network, FX. “

“The presentation pilot that Chris and Kamau shot was terrific,” said Nick Grad, executive vice president of original programming for FX. "Kamau is a tremendous young comedian who has a very smart and sharp take on life. Working with Chris will only bring out the best of his talents."

Bell is a founding member of the comedy group Laughter Against the Machine and has been named San Francisco's best comedian by SF Weekly and the SF Bay Guardian. He is best known for his solo show "The W. Kamau Bell Curve: Ending Racism in About an Hour," a Time Out NY critic's pick in the 2010 NY Comedy Festival.

A Take Me Out contestant was axed from last week's episode because he hid an assault conviction from producers, it has been reported.

Jarvis Walters, a 30-year-old semi-pro footballer, previously filmed a segment on the Paddy McGuinness-fronted dating show, but his entire stint was cut when fresh background checks revealed that he received a 12-month community order for attacking a man in 2009.

Walters told The Sun that Take Me Out bosses "lost out big time" by removing him from the show, as he believed his date with co-star Hannah Reville was the "best ever".

However, she fumed to the publication about being cut due to Walters's past behaviour, saying: "He did something wrong - I did nothing."

A spokesperson for Take Me Out confirmed: "Jarvis did not declare a conviction that came to light."

The move comes after a date between Take Me Out stars Aaron Withers and Wen-Jing Mo was axed from an earlier episode when it emerged they had both worked as escorts and he had been convicted of assaulting a couple.

Regina Hall is set to co-star opposite Martin Lawrence in his CBS comedy pilot. The project, written by Mike Lisbe and Nate Reger and produced by CBS TV Studios, stars Lawrence as Ray, a widowed father of two teenagers who, after losing his job in construction, decides to go to the police academy and become a cop at the age of 46. Hall, repped by ICM and Principato-Young, will play Lisa, a cute, perky police officer and type-A perfectionist who takes an immediate shine to Ray.

Melissa Tang has landed the last regular role in The Goodwin Games, Fox’s single-camera comedy from the How I Met Your Mother trio of Carter Bays, Craig Thomas and Chris Harris. The project revolves around three siblings (Becki Newton, Scott Foley, Jake Lacy) who reconnect after the death of their father when he leaves them his fortune — but only if they agree to his terms.Tang, repped by Abrams Artists and manager Colleen Schlegel, will play the family’s estate attorney role, originally written as a middle-aged man.

Queer Eye For The Straight Guy alum Jai Rodriquez has been cast in a recurring role in Reba McEntire’s ABC comedy pilot Malibu Country, about Reba Gallagher (McEntire) who moves her family from Nashville to Malibu after getting a divorce. Rodrigiuez, repped by Michael Einfeld Management, will play the recurring role of a record label executive Reba turns to. Erin Cahill has been cast in ABC’s drama pilot Penoza, about Martha (Radha Mitchell), the widow of an assassinated criminal who is forced to adopt her husband’s role in a crime syndicate in order to protect her family. Cahill, repped by Talentworks and manager Cary Anderson, will play the recurring role of Felicity, the 2nd trophy wife of Marta’s Russian Mob Father kingpin.

Britain's Got Talent star Sam Kelly has revealed to Digital Spy why he wanted to take part in the variety programme rather than The X Factor.

Kelly was one of the standout contestants in last weekend's launch show, performing his own acoustic version of 'Make You Feel My Love'.

Despite wowing Simon Cowell and the other judges with his vocals, Kelly insisted that he doesn't regret applying for BGT rather than the singing series.

"Playing my own music is a massive thing me. I learned to play instruments before I could sing. Originally I played the drums actually," he told Digital Spy.

"But I'm never comfortable without an instrument. I think if I'd gone on X Factor without a guitar I'd have made a proper fool of myself.

"It isn't just hiding behind it, though, it's an extra way of expressing myself through the song. It's a lot easier to put your own spin and feeling on a song if you can dictate how a song goes."

Kelly also revealed that he is hoping to showcase his piano skills if he reaches the semi-final shows. "I don't want to do something for the sake of it, but if it helps the song and it's right for the performance, I'd like to do it," he said.

Talking about his nerves at playing in front of Cowell and the panel, he added: "It was a pretty surreal experience anyway, but the way Simon is staring at you in a calculated way, it's terrifying.

"I had all sorts of awful thoughts going through my head and I thought, 'Oh my God, I've mucked up, why am I doing this?' It is hugely intimidating performing for him."

We've seen him transition from a woman to a man in "Becoming Chaz," propose to his girlfriend in "Being Chaz" and go "Dancing With the Stars," and for Chaz Bono's next reality TV project, we may see him looking for a new love.

World of Wonder producers Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato -- the team behind "Becoming Chaz" and "Being Chaz," seen with Bono at left -- told TheWrap that they are in discussions with Bono to develop a reality dating series.

"He's an extraordinary person living an ordinary life, and I think that's what the show would be about," Bailey said. "People don't know a lot about the (transgender) life, and because of that, sometimes there's fear. (Chaz) has always sought to shed light on that."

The discussions are in the early stages, so Bailey and Barbato say nothing is set in terms of a series title, format or network.

"We shouldn't even be talking about it this much (yet)," Barbato said with a laugh. He said the show would most likely unfold in a documentary style.

He also said viewers shouldn't expect a Bono spin on "The Bachelor."

"There would be a certain gravitas to the show," Barbato said. "Chaz approaches everything with honesty, and that would certainly be true of this (project), too."

Bono, who was eliminated during the sixth week of season 13 competition on "DWTS," presented longtime girlfriend Jennifer Elia with a diamond engagement ring during the "Being Chaz" special that aired on OWN last year, but the couple broke up in December.

Jersey Shore's Sammi Giancola has said that she would be open to a crossover series with the Geordie Shore cast.

The reality star said that getting to explore new cultures is one of her favourite aspects of the MTV show, which has previously filmed in Miami and Italy.

Asked by Digital Spy if she could see the Jersey Shore team partying with the likes of Gaz Beadle and Vicky Pattison in Newcastle, Giancola remarked: "You never know what can happen.

"I think that would be awesome, because I love to experience new cultures and new countries. It doesn't matter where we go, as long as it's something new."

Giancola also claimed that season five of Jersey Shore will be a "happier" instalment than its predecessors.

"You're going to see us be a lot more comfortable with each other," she teased. "You're gonna see me have fun with my roommates and in my relationship, so actually the whole season for me was a lot of fun.

"We went out, did a lot of stuff, played pranks. Overall it was a happier season for everybody."

Giancola recently confirmed that she separated from boyfriend and co-star Ronnie Ortiz-Magro after filming wrapped.

Jersey Shore season five premieres in the UK Tuesday, April 3 at 9pm on MTV.

Plans to allow television cameras to film in courtrooms in England and Wales are to be included in the Queen's Speech, according to reports.

Last year, the ministry of justice announced that it would end the courtroom filming ban that has been in place in England and Wales since 1925, but did not specify a timescale.

Justice secretary Ken Clarke later said that allowing cameras in courts would aid public understanding of justice, but he also insisted that trials will not become "theatrical".

This is because filming would only first be allowed for judgements in the Court of Appeal, expanding to the Crown Court "in due course". There would also not be any coverage of jurors, victims and witnesses "under any circumstances".

Two acts of parliament currently ban filming in all courts in England and Wales, except the Supreme Court, meaning new legislation is required to allow cameras in.

Scotland does not ban courtroom filming, but all parties must agree before a case can be aired.

The Ministry of Justice initially said that the England and Wales ban would be lifted "as soon as parliamentary time allows", but British broadcasters recently called for more urgent action.

Media reports now suggest that the measure will be included in the forthcoming Queen's Speech, although the Ministry of Justice refused to comment on the claims.

However, a spokesman for the department said that government and the judiciary were "determined to improve transparency and public understanding of courts".

"That is why we announced in September that we are planning to remove the ban... as soon as parliamentary time allows," he added.

In a letter sent to Clarke last month, the heads of news at the BBC, Sky and ITN said that allowing cameras in courtrooms is vital for showing the public how the justice system works.

"We recognise that concerns have been raised about the impact television coverage will have, particularly in controversial cases," said the letter.

"However, we believe that the outcome can only be positive. The experience over the last two years of live streaming from the Supreme Court has shown that the presence of cameras has not affected the course of justice in any way in this court. Instead it enhances public understanding and allows everyone to see justice being done.

"Everyone who believes in transparency should support this proposed change in the law. This is a long-overdue reform. For too long the UK has lagged behind much of the rest of the world on open justice. The time has come for us to catch up."

Barbara Walters is off the hook for a lawsuit filed by a woman claims to have had a relationship with her adopted daughter.

Judge George O'Toole of the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts ruled Tuesday that Nancy Shay's defamation lawsuit had insufficient merit, ending a legal drama that began last year, when Shay filed the suit.

Also read: Should Barbara Walters Have Used the N-Word in "View" Talk About Perry's Camp?

Shay, who befriended Walters' daughter, Jacqueline Gruber, when the pair attended school together in the 1980s, sued Walters following the publication her 2008 memoir, "Audition."

“Jackie started to refuse to come home on weekends,” Walters' book reads. “She had a new friend named Nancy, whom the school kicked out midterm for bad behavior."

In another passage, Walters writes, "She and Jackie had been found in a nearby town, high on God-knows-what.”

In her suit, Shay claimed not only that Walters' account was inaccurate -- she claimed to have been expelled for a different reason -- but that the claims in the book thrust her into a spiral of depression.

“Took away what little self-esteem I had left, like I was expendable, and because I’m lesbian, I’m almost shunned, put back into the dark ages,” Shay said in the suit. “[The book] put me back to where I was when I was a teenager.”

In Tuesday's ruling, O'Toole said that Shay "fails to allege the fault necessary for such a claim."

"Moreover," the ruling continues, "the alleged defamatory statements could not have caused harm to the plaintiff in a considerable segment of the community because, according to the complaint, the small number of people who would have been able to recognize the book's oblique references to the plaintiff would also likely have been aware that of the circumstances of her expulsion that were the subject matter of the accused statements."

Nickelodeon Ratings: Disney Tops Kids' Rival in Key Category for First Time

Nickelodeon said last fall that its ratings woes were temporary, but that doesn't look to be the case: This month, kids-TV rival the Disney Channel beat it for the first time in its average number of total daily viewers.

It's a notable milestone that Nick understandably downplays. It has ruled in the ratings category every month since June 1995, when TNT was tops. While other networks focus on primetime, kids networks fight for total-day bragging rights because their young viewers have many more hours of free time to spend in front of a TV set.

The total viewers category counts all those 2 and older. But cable networks -- and especially kids' networks -- carefully parse ratings data to find areas where they won. Accordingly, Nick notes that it beat Disney among 2-to-11 year olds in March, and in total daily viewers in the first quarter of the year.

Nick also points out that its mouse-eared rival lost viewers from March 2011 to this month, which is true. It's just that Nick lost far more.

From last March to this month, Disney fell 5 percent to 1.57 million average daily viewers. But Nick slipped a dramatic 31 percent, to 1.536 million.

Of the top 10 most-watched cable networks in March, only one slipped more than Nick. And therein lies more bad news for Nick, because that network is its evening offshoot: Nick at Night fell 36 percent to 942,000 average daily viewers. (Six of the Top 10 cable networks were down in March, three were up, and one, Adult Swim, was flat. See chart.)

Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer of Disney Channels Worldwide, credited the Disney Channel's "smart programming choices" with helping it overtake Nick in total viewers this month.

"Our ratings are ultimately a reflection of the affinity and engagement our audience has with our content. Becoming No. 1 in kids 6 to 11 last year, and No. 1 in total viewers last month -- is a testament to a how deeply we've engaged our viewers," Marsh told TheWrap.

Parents have long complained that Nick airs too many reruns of popular staples like "SpongeBob SquarePants," as the Disney Channel generates new original programming like "Jessie" and "Good Luck Charlie" to continue the success of hits like the recently departed "Wizards of Waverly Place."

Nick responded to the ratings woes in the fall by announcing plans to air up to 500 hours of new content in the near-term. As a result, new shows like "Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness" are providing reinforcements to Nick's hit "iCarly."

Nick declined to comment Wednesday on Disney beating it in March viewers, except to note the areas in which it beat the Disney Channel -- and to call attention to that slip in Disney's viewership.

In the first quarter of the year, Nick averaged 952,000 total daily viewers in the 2-11 range, compared with 945,000 for the Disney Channel. It also averaged 1.8 million total viewers vs. 1.7 million for the Disney Channel. It was Nickelodeon's 68th consecutive quarter at No. 1. The question now is whether the Disney Channel can continue its March momentum to win the second quarter of the year.

Nickelodeon -- and Philippe Dauman, CEO of its owner, Viacom -- have argued that the Nick ratings slide that began in September was an aberration, possibly resulting from a Nielsen Company error. Nielsen has investigated and denied that was the case. And the slide looks less and less like a short-term error as Nick settles into lower numbers.

But there is some good news for Nick: Analyst David Joyce of Miller Tabak and Co. told TheWrap that Viacom investors appear to have factored in the lower ratings. That would make them less likely to sell off their stock if ratings don't improve.

In November, Joyce downgraded his rating on Viacom from "buy" to "neutral," citing Nick's ratings. But in January, he upgraded it back to a "buy," saying the strength of Paramount Pictures' film slate could help offset Nick's troubles.

Part of Nick's ratings problem is that the Disney Channel is "coming out with some attractive new programming," Joyce said. But he noted that Nick has promised more than 500 hours of new episodes in the near-term.

"They're not taking this lightly," he said. "They are working on the quality of the productions."

Viacom's common stock closed at $52.32 and its Class B stock at $47.17 per share Wednesday. Soon after the ratings problems came to light, the common stock closed as low as $47.82, and the Class B shares at $36.66, on Oct. 3.

The first "Dancing With the Stars" results show of the season took a big hit Tuesday night as CBS ruled in the ratings with "NCIS," according to preliminary numbers.

CBS came in first in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demographic and total viewers with an average 2.8 rating/8 share in the demo and 14.5 million. "NCIS" at 8 was the night's top-rated and most-watched program with a 3.4/10 in the demo and 18.2 million total viewers, even though it tied last week's season low in the ratings. "NCIS: LA" the following hour inched up from last week's season low with a 2.9/8 in the demo and 14.7 million total viewers. The network finished the night with "Unforgettable" at 10, which posted a 2.0/6 in the demo and 10.4 million total viewers.

ABC came in second in ratings and total viewers with an average 2.3/6 in the demo and 11.9 million total viewers, despite taking a couple of hits with its "Dancing With the Stars" programming. "Dancing With the Stars: The Story So Far" at 8 was down 32 percent from last year's comparable telecast with a 1.9/6 in the demo and 10.4 million total viewers. The "Dancing With the Stars" results show premiere the following hour dropped 30 percent from last year's results premiere, posting a 3.0/8 in the demo and 15.3 million total viewers. The good news for the network? "Body of Proof" at 10 grew 50 percent from its last airing two weeks ago, receiving a 2.1/6 in the demo and 10 million total viewers.

NBC took third place in ratings and total viewers with an average 1.8/5 in the demo and 5 million. The network suffered several declines. "The Biggest Loser" at 8 dropped 17 percent from last week for a 1.9/5 in the demo and 5.6 million total viewers. With a weakened lead-in from "Loser" and facing original competition from ABC and CBS for the first time, the new reality offering "Fashion Star" at 10 also suffered, dropping 17 percent in the demo from last week for a 1.5/4 and 4 million total viewers.

Fox came in fourth in ratings and total viewers with an average 1.7/5 and 3.6 million. "Raising Hope" at 8 slipped slightly in the demo from last week, receiving a 1.5/5 with 3.8 million total viewers. Following a "Raising Hope" repeat, "New Girl" at 9 was also down slightly, taking a 2.5/7 in the demo with 4.9 million total viewers. The network finished the night with "Breaking In" at 9:30, which saw a slight increase in the demo from last week. It had a 1.4/4 with 2.8 million total viewers.

COUNTER CULTURE (ABC) - Ken Howard ("30 Rock") has scored a role on the comedy pilot, about three aging sisters - Nonie (Delta Burke), Billie (Kerri Kenney) and Joyce (Margo Martindale) - running their family diner together in West Texas. He'll play Joyce's burly husband, Ken, in the Stephnie Weir-penned half-hour, which also stars Doris Roberts and Luis Guzman. Ted Wass is directing for ABC Studios and Sony Pictures Television. (Deadline.com)

DARK HEART (A&E, New!) - Steven Long Mitchell and Craig Van Sickle ("The Pretender") have snagged a script order at the cable channel for a new drama about "a benevolent cop who, after having a massive heart attack, gets the heart of a psychopath." Lionsgate Television is behind the hour, which the duo will executive produce alongside Aaron Kaplan of Kapital Entertainment. (Deadline.com)

DRINK (Lifetime, New!) - Newcomer Glenn Porter has sold a spec script to the cable channel for a new drama about "the life of the head of HR at a global alcohol and beverage company who, after suffering a head injury, loses her inhibitions and ability to control her impulse and ends up transforming her company into a hotbed of decadence, soaring profits and ambition." Said hour is being executive produced by Aaron Kaplan of Kapital Entertainment. (Deadline.com)

THE MADONNAS OF ECHO PARK (HBO, New!) - Brando Skyhorse's novel - which takes us into the unseen world of Los Angeles, following the men and women who cook the meals, clean the homes, and struggle to lose their ethnic identity in the pursuit of the American dream - is being developed as a drama series at the pay channel. Julia Cho ("Big Love") is on board to pen the adaptation where she'll serve as a co-executive producer. Kapital Entertainment's Aaron Kaplan and "Terra Nova" co-creator Kelly Marcel will also serve as executive producers. (Deadline.com)

THE SMART ONE (ABC) - Nestor Carbonell ("Ringer") has been cast in the comedy pilot, about Jude (Portia de Rossi), a brilliant and successful woman who has to go to work for her less brainy but more popular sister, Candy (Malin Akerman) - a former beauty queen, weather girl and now big city mayor. He'll guest star as Nathan Charles, a good-looking, charming, single, successful real estate developer whom Jude once had a fling. David Arquette, Jean Smart, Matt Oberg and Stephanie Beatriz also star in the Warner Bros. Television-based half-hour, which Michael Fresco is directing from a script by Don Todd. (TVLine.com)

Whoopi Goldberg is moonlighting in primetime: "The View" co-host will guest star on "Glee" in May, portraying a New York performing arts school professor who travels to Ohio to audition star wannabes Kurt and Rachel.

A "Glee" rep confirms to TheWrap that Goldberg's stint will span multiple episodes. She'll portray Carmen Tibideaux, a theater world insider and New York Academy of the Dramatic Arts professor who personally makes the trek to McKinley High to oversee the auditions of Chris Colfer's Kurt and Lea Michele's Rachel.

Goldberg's first episode is scheduled for May 1. The Fox series' third season finale is scheduled for May 22. TVLine.com first reported Goldberg's "Glee" appearance.

Meanwhile, the actress will also guest star in the May 2 episode of "The Middle" on ABC, where she'll play the high school guidance counselor for sweet, dorky teen Sue (Eden Sher).

Goldberg is also directing, producing and starring in the documentary "I Got Somethin' to Tell You," about comedienne Moms Mabley.